Obama edorses marriage equality initiatives in 3 states

President Obama endorsed state ballot initiatives to legalize marriage equality in Washington state, Maryland and Maine as he seeks to strengthen GLBT enthusiasm for his re-election. Five months ago, Obama became the first U.S. president to express support for marriage equality.

The GLBT community is seen as a loyal and potentially pivotal voting bloc for The President, along with larger demographic groups such as Hispanics and single, young women.

Six states and DC have already extended marriage rights, all brought about by court rulings and legislative action.

Maine, which rejected gay marriage in a 2009 referendum by 53 percent to 47 percent, could become the first state to legalize same-sex marriage solely by popular vote.